SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner has cut $68 million in already-funded road construction or other bricks-and-mortar projects.

The cuts came on the eve of a new fiscal year set to begin without a budget agreement between the Republican governor and the Democratic-controlled General Assembly.

The cuts include $50 million for further renovation of the 1868 state Capitol and $5 million for the long-discussed but delayed airport in south suburban Chicago.

Rauner has rebuffed discussion with Democrats on a fiscal 2016 budget because he wants fundamental business and political changes first.

The governor approved most of the re-appropriated money. He says investment in the state’s infrastructure “is critical to economic development.” But he made the cuts to ensure “limited taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.”

 

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